How to view a connected network's Wi-Fi password on Android: all the methods

Forgot your home or work Wi-Fi password, but your phone is connected to the network? This situation is familiar to many: your smartphone automatically saves security keys but doesn't display them in plain text. Luckily, Android There are several ways to extract a saved password, both using standard tools and third-party ones.

In this article we will look at 5 working methods, including options for devices without root-rights and with them. You will learn how to view the password through the router settings, system configuration files, specialized applications, and even with the help of ADBAnd also - why some methods stopped working on new versions Android 10+ and what to do about it.

Important: Not all methods are universal. Their functionality depends on the version. Android, smartphone manufacturer (Samsung, Xiaomi, Google Pixel etc.) and even the router model. If one method doesn't work, try the next one from the list.

1. Viewing the password through the router settings (universal method)

The most reliable way to find out the password from Wi-Fi - Log into the router's web interface. This method works on any Android device, regardless of the OS version or availability root-right. You only need a network connection (even without the internet) and access to the router.

Instructions:

• 📱 Open the browser on your phone and enter in the address bar 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1 (The standard IP addresses of most routers). If you can't connect, check the sticker on the back of the router.
• 🔑 Enter your username and password to log in. By default, this is often admin/admin or admin/passwordIf the data has changed, please check with your network administrator.
• 🛡️ Go to the section Wi-Fi (or Wireless network, Wireless). The name may differ depending on the model (TP-Link, ASUS, Keenetic and others).
• 🔍 Find the field Password, Key or PSK — the current security key will be displayed here. In some routers, the password is hidden behind asterisks: click the eye icon (👁️) or check the box Show password.

⚠️ Attention: If you're not a network administrator (for example, connected to Wi-Fi at a cafe or office), this method won't work—you won't have permission to view the router's settings. In that case, use the other methods in this article.

2. Using the file wpa_supplicant.conf (for Android 9 and below)

On devices with Android 9 Pie and earlier versions of passwords Wi-Fi were stored in clear text in a system file wpa_supplicant.confThis method does not require root- it's right, but it only works on older smartphones. Android 10+ The file is encrypted and cannot be read without special rights.

How to find the password:

1. Install any file manager with access to system folders (for example, FX Explorer or Solid Explorer).
2. Follow the path:

   /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore

   or (on some devices):

   /data/misc/wifi/wpa_supplicant.conf

3. Open the file wpa_supplicant.conf in a text editor.
4. Find the block with the name of your network (ssid="WiFi_Name") - line psk="your_password" contains the required key.

🔹 Example of file content:

network={
ssid="MyHomeWiFi"
psk="12345678"
key_mgmt=WPA-PSK
}

⚠️ Attention: On Android 10 and later This file is encrypted. Attempts to read it without root will lead to an error Permission deniedFor newer OS versions, use the methods in the following sections.

Why did Google remove password access in Android 10?

With Android 10 (2019), Google tightened its security policy. Wi-Fi passwords are now stored encrypted in the system storage. Keystore, and only applications with permissions have access to them android.permission.WIFI_PRIVILEGED (usually pre-installed by the manufacturer). This is done to protect against malware that could steal stored keys.

3. Apps to view Wi-Fi passwords (without root)

If you have Android 10+ and no root-You're right, you can try specialized utilities. They don't guarantee 100% success (due to OS limitations), but they can sometimes help extract passwords through workarounds. The best apps:

• 🔓 WiFi Password Viewer - shows saved networks and passwords (works on some devices) Samsung And Xiaomi).
• 📱 WiFi Key Recovery - scans system files for keys (requires Android 9 or lower).
• 🛠️ WiFi Password Show — an alternative for devices with firmware from the manufacturer (for example, MIUI or One UI).

⚠️ Attention: Most of these applications are in Google Play — scams. They promise to reveal passwords, but in reality they only collect data or display ads. Download utilities only from trusted sources (for example, 4PDA or XDA Developers) and read reviews.

📌 How to improve your chances:

• Before installing the application turn off the Internet — Some utilities block functionality without a subscription.
• Try it several programs - one can work where the other doesn't.
• On devices Xiaomi sometimes it helps enabling developer mode (Settings → About phone → MIUI version - press 7 times).

Check your Android version (Settings → About phone)

Turn off your mobile internet (to block ads)

Download the APK from a trusted source (not the Play Market)

Grant all requested permissions

-->

4. Viewing Passwords with ADB (Advanced)

ADB (Android Debug Bridge) — a debugging tool that allows you to execute commands on a device from a computer. It can be used to extract passwords. Wi-Fi, even if you have Android 10+, but it will be required USB debugging and access to a PC.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. 🖥️ Install ADB Tools to your computer (Windows, macOS or Linux).
2. 📱 Turn on your phone Developer mode (click 7 times on Build number V Settings → About phone) and activate USB debugging.
3. 🔌 Connect your phone to your PC via USB and confirm debugging permissions.
4. 🐍 Open Command Prompt (or Terminal) and run:

   adb shell
   su
   cat /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml | grep psk

   If the command doesn't work, try:

   adb pull /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml

   (the file will be saved on your PC, open it in a text editor).

🔹 What to do if su doesn't work?

This means that you don't have root-right. In this case, ADB won't be able to read system files. An alternative is to use the command:

adb shell dumpsys wifi

Find the block in the output NetworkList - sometimes passwords are displayed there in a disguised form (for example, psk=*). Unfortunately, on new versions Android This method rarely works.

⚠️ Attention: Using ADB requires caution. Do not execute unknown commands as this may lead to reset settings or damage to the systemIf you are not sure, skip this method.

1. Reinstall ADB drivers.

2. Use a different USB cable (preferably the original one).

3. Enable the option in the developer settings USB Debugging (Security Options) And Allow debugging (ADB) only when charging.-->

5. Extracting Root Password (100% Working Method)

If your device has root- rights (for example, after unlocking bootloader and installations Magisk), you can access all system files, including passwords Wi-FiThis method works on any version of Android.

Instructions:

1. 📲 Install file manager with root support (For example, Root Explorer or FX File Explorer).
2. 🔍 Go to the folder:

   /data/misc/wifi/

   or (on newer versions):

   /data/vendor/wifi/

3. 📄 Find the file WifiConfigStore.xml or wpa_supplicant.conf and open it.
4. 🔑 In the block with the name of your network (<string name="SSID">WiFi Name</string>) there will be a line with a password:

   <string name="PreSharedKey">"your_password"</string>

🔧 Alternative method (via Terminal):

Open Terminal Emulator on your phone and do the following:

su
cat /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml | grep -A 10 "Your_Network_Name"

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware (for example, MIUI 12+ or One UI 4.0+) The files may be stored elsewhere or additionally encrypted. If you can't find the password, check the folders:

/data/misc_ce/0/wifi/
/data/misc_dex/0/wifi/

6. Specific methods for Samsung, Xiaomi, and other brands

Smartphone manufacturers often modify Android, adding unique features. Some of them allow you to view your password. Wi-Fi without root or ADB. Let's look at the features of popular brands.

📌 Samsung (One UI):

• 🔄 On devices with One UI 2.5+ (Android 10+) passwords are stored in /data/misc_ce/0/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml.
• 🔑 To see them, you can use the app Samsung WiFi Password (does not work on all models).
• 📱 Alternative: Enter the code on your phone *#0011#, then go to Menu → Wi-Fi (works on some models) Galaxy S And Note).

📌 Xiaomi (MIUI):

• 🛠️ On MIUI 12/13 passwords can be seen through Engineer Mode (engineering menu). Enter in the dialer:

  ##4636##

  then select Wi-Fi information → Wi-Fi Password.

• 📲 Application Mi WiFi Password sometimes works on devices without root.

📌 Google Pixel:

• 🔍 On the "clean" Android (without shells) passwords are stored in /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml, but access to them is closed without root.
• 🖥️ The only reliable way is ADB (see section 4).

📌 Huawei (EMUI):

• 🔐 On EMUI 10+ passwords are encrypted using Huawei KeystoreThey can only be extracted with root or through HiSuite (official utility for PC).
• 📡 The code works in some firmware versions ##2846579## → ProjectMenu → Background Settings → Wi-Fi.

⚠️ Attention: Brand-specific methods may stop working after a firmware update. For example, in MIUI 14 We've removed the ability to view passwords through the engineering menu. Always check forums (e.g., 4PDA or XDA).

Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

To make it easier for you to navigate, we've compiled all the methods into a table, listing their pros, cons, and compatibility.

💡 Recommendations for selection:

• 🏠 If you have access to router - use first method (router settings). This is the most reliable and universal method.
• 📱 On Android 9 or below - try reading wpa_supplicant.conf.
• 🖥️ If you know how to work with ADB, try to extract the password via the command line.
• 🔧 On devices with root or if you are ready to receive it, use the last method.
• 📲 Applications without root It's a gamble. Try them if other methods don't work.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about viewing Wi-Fi passwords on Android

❓ Is it possible to find out the password for a Wi-Fi connection that someone else has connected to?

✅ Yes, but only if you have physical access to his device with root- rights or you know the router login details. Without this, you can't extract the password from someone else's phone. impossible (unless, of course, it's saved in the cloud, like on some devices Samsung with an account Samsung Cloud).

⚠️ Attention: Unauthorized access to other people's networks or devices may be punishable by law (Article 272 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation - unauthorized access to computer information).

❓ Why is there no file on my Xiaomi? wpa_supplicant.conf?

📱 Starting from MIUI 12 (Android 10+), Xiaomi moved password storage to a secure vault. Now they are stored encrypted in /data/misc_ce/0/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml, and read them without root It's impossible. Try the method with ADB or get a temporary one root through Magisk.

❓ Is it possible to recover a Wi-Fi password if my phone has been reset to factory settings?

❌ No. When resetting (Hard Reset) all saved networks and passwords are deleted. The only way is to access the router settings (if you're the network administrator) or ask the person who set up the Wi-Fi for the password.

💡 If the router is provided by the Internet provider (for example, Rostelecom or Beeline), the password may be indicated on a sticker on the device itself or in the contract.

❓ Do password viewer apps work on Android 13?

⚠️ On Android 13 and newer most applications without root don't workGoogle has tightened its security policy, and now only system apps with special permissions have access to Wi-Fi passwords. The exception is some firmware from manufacturers (for example, Samsung or Xiaomi), where you can use proprietary utilities.

❓ How can I protect my Wi-Fi from being hacked using these methods?

🔒 To prevent password extraction from connected devices:

• 🔄 Change your password regularly (once every 3-6 months).
• 🛡️ Use WPA3 instead of WPA2 (if the router supports it).
• 📵 Turn off WPS - This is a vulnerable protocol.
• 👥 Set up guest network for friends, it is isolated from the main one.
• 🔐 Use complex passwords (e.g. Tr0ub4dour&3 instead of 12345678).

⚠️ Attention: Even a complex password can be extracted with root-devices connected to your network. If privacy is important to you, use VPN to encrypt traffic.